PHS students characterize superman as a hero. Photo by: Shelby Harrell

By Shelby Harrell

The cape with the initials, the mask and the tights are the common images that are naturally associated with the typical hero. This signature look has been a trademark for superheroes for decades. However, more and more students today are finding out that a person does not have to dress up in order to be considered a hero. According to senior Brittany Paige-Clabaugh, a hero is someone who is loving and protecting, and who will always keep you safe. “They protect you from things that you’re scared of,” said Clabaugh.

There are many different examples of heroes in modern times. Whether they are the traditional comic book hero, or the more modern televised one, there any many great examples of them across the globe. Senior Gianella Cerretino explained that her favorite example of a hero would be the classic Batman. “He knows how to get rid of the bad guys, without actually destroying them,” said Cerretino, “His parents were killed during his childhood, so that gave him motivation to protect the people.” Batman is just one of many examples.

While there are many examples of great heroes on television, perhaps some of the best examples live not in the screen, but in real life. Senior Daniel Flynn said that he views our soldiers in the military as great examples of heroes, “my cousin and brother included,” said Flynn. Agreeing with the fact that there are many heroes outside the screen, senior Danielle Erickson said that her grandfather is a hero to her. “I see my grandfather as a hero because he is an incredibly godly man, and he is so strong in his faith,” said Erickson. There are many students who appreciate these types of heroes.

With the many different types, styles and forms of heroes, there is a wide variety of heroes that students appreciate. When asked about her favorite type of hero, Cerretino stated that her favorite superhero is superman, and her reason is that he does so much good for the public. “He just amazes me,” said Cerretino, “He keeps his identity a secret and always does his best to save the world.” Superman is an example of a conventional hero.

However, there are many students out there who would argue that not all heroes have to be conventional. “I definitely do not feel that heroes have to be conventional,” said Erickson, “The heroes in my life are not necessarily conventional, but I look up to them as heroes.”

In the earlier generations, American citizens focused their attention on the conventional hero, or the more traditional heroes who always saved people. However, according to Flynn, society’s image of the hero has changed drastically over the years. “They have changed because heroes used to be very black and white as in they would always save the day, get the girl, and that was it,” said Flynn, “ Now they are usually associated with something negative, and are becoming more anti-hero.”

Flynn’s comment on heroes changing throughout the generations also struck another topic discussion of whether or not society actually plays a major role in shaping heroes. Erickson stated that she does think that society plays a major role in shaping heroes. “We are influenced so much by celebrities and fame, and these people are considered heroes to many people,” said Erickson, “In turn, many people want to be like them.”